Toulouse, October 15 – Airbus commercial aircraft CEO Lars Wagner stated that a decision on higher A350 output will come sooner rather than later amid strong demand for the popular wide-body jet. The planemaker aims to expand production capacity past its single assembly line rated for 12 to 13 jets monthly as Boeing rivalry intensifies. Wagner called the rate increase inevitable because the market clearly demands more A350 aircraft, with board approval needed but expected promptly.
This forms part of a trio of near-term decisions. Airbus is studying bigger versions of the A350 and the A220, with choices expected early in a five-year planning period. There is clear demand for a longer A350 known as the A350-2000 and a larger A220-500 based on the roughly 130-seat model.
Higher output would require a new assembly line and industrial system. Wagner, former MTU Aero Engines CEO who took over this year, noted the A350 competes with Boeing 787 and 777 series. Capacity growth is key for market share in wide-body jets.
Airbus evaluates these steps while addressing supply issues. Wagner declined to discuss whether Rolls-Royce might lose sole engine status on a new A350 version. The strategy targets increased production and variants to meet airline needs.